Learn to pick a computer, and maintain your computer to keep
running well for years to come. Also, learn how to use PC software.

Learn how to Repair your computer, so it runs stablely again.

I
recommend you get CompTIA
A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-701
& 220-702)
to learn more about computer
repair since when your computer breaks, you might not be able to go
online to search on how to fix your computer. I have used this book
many times to learn how to fix my computer, and as a reference on how
to maintain and troubleshoot my computer, so I do not have to repair it
as often. This book is easy to understand for most non-tech savvy
people because the author uses easy to understand words, and there are
a lot of diagrams, photos, definitions, tables, and learning aids in
this book.

Troubleshooting and repairing a computer can be very difficult since a
computer has
so many parts which eventually fail. I highly
recommend you buy a
copy of CompTIA
A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-701
& 220-702) . This book will teach you everything you
need to know about computer trouble shooting, repair, operating
systems, networking and more. Plus, if you want, you can take the A+
computer
technician exam, so you'll be qualified to fix computers when you pass
the exam after reading this book.

The basic tools you need for computer repair is an anti-static
strap to prevent static electricity damage
and computer
tool kit
which you can get for less then 30 dollars. If you use your tools
from home, make sure your tools are not magnetize since magnetic fields
are not good for computers and you may damage your computer with
magnetize tools.

You can also get a portable power
supply tester to easily test your power supply inside your
computer to test your computer power supply.

Having
a flash light and magnify glass or reading glasses might be a good idea
if your work area is poorly lit, and you have poor vision.

Before
you fix your computer turn it off, and make sure you are using an
anti-stic wrist strap connected to a bare unpainted metal part inside
your PC case like the case, or power supply.

You
should also back up all important files which you did not backup yet
before you repair your computer if your hard drive and Windows are both
still working since there is always a chance of data loss if you
somehow damage your PC's hard drive like stabbing your hard drives
circuitboard, or hard drive controller port with a screw driver when
you are repairing your PC.

Repairing
your
computer cam be very simple if you know the steps to repairing a
computer by reading a book about
computer repair. Repairing a PC usually involves disconnecting and
reconnecting cables,
and unscrewing or unclipping a part from the case, and taking it out,
and replacing it with a good part. Lastly, securing the part in place
again with a screw or clip.

Parts which I do not recommend beginners
and average level computer users replace are motherboards, CPUs, CPU
heatsinks, the CMOS battery, and smaller heatsinks on the motherboard.

However, PCI, AGP, PCI-Express, and ISA expansion cards are easy to
take out and repair. Memory, PC power supplys, fans, hard drives,
CD-ROM drives, Memory Card readers, and floppy drives are not very hard
to replace if you read a book and practice how to repair them with a
older or broken computer. It is also best to use a broken computer to
practice how to insert and take out expansion cards, memory, drives,
and power supplies.

Be
sure to wash your hands after you fix your computer since computers
contain lead and other heavy metals which are not good for your health.
It is also best not to touch the metal circuits inside your computer
since they contain lead.

A dust mask will be a good idea if the
inside of your computer is very dusty. You should use a can of compress
air to blow out the dust before you fix your PC.

I like to use
YouTube and other online video sharing services to search for tutorial
videos on how to fix computers since watching other people fix computer
in videos can be easier to understand then reading about fixing
computers.